The ACC boasts a deep pool of talent with three teams ranked inside the top ten and four inside the top 15 of BCS rankings. All four are expected to win in Week 9 and could bump themselves further up the standings; dare we dream of four ACC teams standing inside the BCS top ten?
Conference Games
NC State @ No.2 Florida State
It was NC State who ruined Florida State’s national championship ambitions last year, and after the Seminole’s impressive win over Clemson last week it would be a lot of hard work undone to let it happen again.
Florida State enters the game as the hottest team in the country while the Wolfpack have lost three of the last four. Quarterback Jameis Winston had a career day against Clemson, throwing three touchdowns and over 400 yards. The freshman is, in many eyes, leading the Heisman race and that topic will only gain more momentum when he takes apart a 3-3 NC State.
Wake Forest @ No. 7 Miami
Despite a dreadful performance from Stephen Morris, Miami pulled off a late win against North Carolina and cemented themselves inside the top-ten. Wake Forest will present a tougher challenge than the free-falling Tar Heels. The Demon Deacons brushed aside a one-loss Maryland last week with their most impressive win of the season. Quarterback Tanner Price has found his stride while wide receiver Michael Campanaro is having his best season.
However, despite the threat of Wake Forest’s playmakers, I expect the Hurricanes to bounce back and lean on its strong running game. Dallas Crawford and Duke Johnson are more than capable of carrying the load as the U prepare for Florida State on November 2nd.
No.9 Clemson @ Maryland
Both teams enter this Week 9 match-up desperate for a win. Clemson were embarrassed at the hands of Florida State last week, while Maryland have lost two out of three since breaking into the top-25.
Tajh Boyd needs to silence the critics against Maryland. The senior signal caller has been run out of Heisman contention in recent weeks with just two passing touchdowns in his last two games. A win against the Terrapins would go some way to getting the Tigers’ season back on track, and while a national championship game is now out of the question, a BCS Bowl spot is still within reach.
Duke @ No. 14 Virginia Tech
Since losing to Alabama in the opening week Virginia Tech have quietly gone about their business and find themselves ranked at No. 14.
Quarterback Logan Thomas has steadily improved after a dismal start to the season. The senior has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three games.
Duke, however, will be no pushover as they boast an impressive 5-2 record. Anthony Boone has returned under centre in recent weeks and hasn’t missed a heartbeat. Back-up quarterback Brandon Connette is still getting reps in a limited role and is a danger running the ball.
The Hokies’ defense is one of the most impressive in the NCAA under Bud Foster. Duke must come up with something special to break the unit down and cause an upset.
Georgia Tech @ Virginia
Virginia have been nothing short of atrocious in 2013 while Georgia Tech have had somewhat of an up and down season.
The Yellow Jackets come into the tie on the back of their biggest win of the season, a 56-0 demolition of Syracuse while Virginia slumped to their fourth straight loss at the hands of Duke.
Georgia Tech’s rushing attack can be overwhelming and if the Cavaliers fall behind early they will struggle to come back. The home side are surrendering 28.4 points a game while Georgia Tech are scoring 36, good for 29th in football.
Boston College @ North Carolina
Boston College come into this week’s match-up with North Carolina fresh off a bye-week while North Carolina had one of their most impressive, if not frustrating, performances of the season.
Athletic tight end Eric Ebron exploded last week against Miami with 199 receiving yards. The Tar Heels will need more of the same if they are to chalk up their second win of the season against a surprisingly strong Boston side.
The Eagles held Clemson to 24 points two weeks ago in an impressive display of unity and determination. Quarterback Chase Rettig is completing just under 65% of his passes, Andre Williams is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and Alex Amidon has 38 receptions on the season. The three-headed attack has troubled a number of teams this season, and North Carolina will be the next in line.
Non-Conference Games
Pittsburgh @ Navy
Pittsburgh has found themselves on the brink of a 5-2 record before a critical conference game against Georgia Tech next week.
The Panthers have only lost to ranked opponents and ACC foes Florida State and Virginia Tech thus far in 2013. The strong running back duo of junior Isaac Bennett and freshman John Conner has punished teams all season. The pair have combined for 804 yards and nine touchdowns as both average over 5.5 yards per carry.
Navy fell 35-7 to fellow ACC side Duke earlier in the season but have notched up strong win against Indiana and Delaware.